Best Spots for Graduation Glamour Shots

As the year draws to a close, you may have noticed a nervous excitement radiating across campus. For our soon-to-be graduates, this feeling is all-too-real as they prepare for what awaits after college. Grad school? A career? Traveling abroad?

With all these plans to sort out, some details tend to fall through the cracks: that includes graduation photos.

While some prepare for their closeups well in advance, others may be waiting until the “day of” to snap their picture-perfect moments. To help you out, here are a variety of on-campus graduation photo locations—ranging from traditional to newly discovered—to capture your good (and just-graduated) side. Make sure to tag your Instagram posts with #Chico2016!

The Classics

Kendall Hall: University Sign, Motto, Glass Doors, and Lawn

(@wholesomewarrior / Instagram)

Whether you’re visiting for #ChooseChico, Chico Preview Day, or taking pictures for graduation–Kendall Hall is, and always will be, a classic choice. If you’re looking to tell a story, consider doing a throwback from your first days at Chico and match that photo alongside your newly graduated self. You may find that this fits very nicely with CSU, Chico’s motto: “Today Decides Tomorrow.” (Note: there can be quite a line for photos with the name sign after the commencement ceremonies, so plan accordingly!)

Laxson Auditorium Pillars

(Photo/Libby Nelson Photography)

Have you noticed you or your friends following the LinkedIn trend of taking your professional profile picture alongside Laxson’s pillars? Well, don’t stop now—Laxson is yet another iconic place to capture that picture-perfect photo in your graduation gown. CSU, Chico’s classical architecture is distinctive, so why not continue utilizing these flattering elements as a backdrop?

George Peterson Rose Garden

(@djthejournalist / Instagram)

Hold that diploma with pride as you stand next to CSU, Chico’s beautiful, blossoming roses in all their vibrant wonder. Keep in mind, though: a cloudy day is best for good portraits. If the sun is blazing on graduation day, consider waiting for a cloud to block the sun in anticipation of your perfect moment.

The Secret Spots

Gus Manolis Bridge

(@heatherbuckleyphotography / Instagram)

Since the reconstruction of the Gus Manolis Bridge in November of 2015, some folks have taken advantage of its innovative design for their graduation portfolios. This spot, though now relatively unexplored, may become the next “hot spot” if enough people catch on. Beat the lines while you can!

Monolith Sculptures by Ayres Hall

(Jason Halley / University Photographer)

This artistic masterpiece is an exemplary mythbuster, as detailed by one of our more recent blog stories, “Rumor Has It: 10 Chico State Myths Explored.” Taking a graduation photo alongside these striking sculptures may be the last thing on your mind, but their artsy aesthetic could be the perfect fit for a grad photo that bucks the norm. Where my hipsters at?!

Bonus Picks from the University photographer

(Instagram / @__marlette__)

CSU, Chico’s University photographer, Jason Halley, has a plethora of suggestions in addition to the typical “hot spots.” We asked him for his advice, and this is what he said:

“The south and west campus entrances on Chestnut Avenue and First Street, respectively, are great since they feature the Chico State seal. Other nature spots may be down by the creek, like Bidwell Bowl amphitheater, along the Arboretum, or the Alumni Glenn (with the flame logo). The Student Services Center courtyard also offers great window and brick backdrops with good lighting later in the day. And, if anyone is looking for a greatly lit interior, check out the second floor of Ayres Hall.”